Carbondale Reporter

City of Murphysboro City Council met April 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Murphysboro, Illinois, City Council met in regular session, pursuant to its ordinances, on the 22nd day of April, 2025. Mayor Stephens called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and led the council in prayer. Following the invocation, Mayor Stephens led the council in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. City Clerk Gina Hunziker was directed to call the roll. The roll was called with the following:

Present: Barb Hughes, Rick Runge, Mike Austin, Angela Jackson, John Erbes, Gary McComb, Scott Strack, Don Gladden

Absent: Jance Curry-Witzman, W.J. Pittman

Presentation of Historic Preservation Commission Restoration Hero to SJ Properties: Aaron Barnett presented the Restoration Hero Award to Shannon and Jamie Green of SJ Properties, stating have noticed the impact they have had as you go down our Main Street.

The council then reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting.

Motion: To approve the minutes of the April 8, 2025, council meeting. All aldermen received a copy of the minutes, for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Strack

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Budget & Finance related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Enforcement of the Video Gaming Push Tax: Mayor Stephens stated has reached out to Brad Cole, will have a seminar.

New Business:

Consideration of Accounts Payable Registers:

Motion: To approve the accounts payable, register 28 & 30, through April 22, 2025. All aldermen received a copy of the register for their review, prior to the meeting.

Motion by Alderman Austin

Second by Alderman Runge

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Presentation of Financial Reports by Scott Evans, Budget Officer: Budget Officer Evans discussed State Income Tax Receipts and Healthcare.

No public comment.

Alderman Austin opened discussion for Building & Grounds related items.

Old Business:

Consideration of Bids for Roof Replacement:

Public Works – 316 North 12th Street: Alderman Gladden asked number of layers for Public Works building? Alderman Runge stated additional decking on DS bid is more.

Motion: To accept the bid from Clover Roofing in the amount of $27,437.00.

Motion by Alderman Gladden

Second by Alderman Runge

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Fire Chief’s Office – 253 North 10th Street:

Motion: To accept the metal roofing bid from DS Roofing in the amount of $7200.00.

Motion by Alderman Strack

Second by Alderman Erbes

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Shooting Range – 2898 West Stewart Lane: Alderman Austin stated ceiling mount.

Motion: To accept the metal roofing bid from Clover Roofing in the amount of $15,940.00.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

New Business:

Presentation of Proposal for Solar Installation by A&I Electrical: Steven Tanner, owner, introduced himself and his company as local, various enterprises not just solar. Dee Tanner made the financial presentation for converting the sites to solar energy and answered questions. Mayor Stephens asked about reliability of energy credits? Feel confident. Can we believe the credits will continue? Do not see them changing anytime soon, very confident. What happens if we produce more than we need? Will produce more and will accumulate those for low producing months. Alderman Hughes asked any interest accrues on SREC return at end of fifteen years? Will ask that question. Alderman Gladden asked if there is a reset month, not used will lose it? Use it or lose it. Alderman Runge asked where are the panels manufactured? South Carolina. Steven stated there is a degradation, allowed to lose 2% the first year then ½% each year after, twenty-five year warranty. Inverters have ten year warranty. Alderman Austin stated will move to next meeting’s agenda.

Consideration of Ordinance Vacating the Platted Alley Lying South of the Properties Located at 404 North 13th Street and 405 North 12th Street: Mayor Stephens stated this is platted alley will need to vacate.

Motion: To approve the Ordinance Vacating the Platted Alley Lying South of the Properties Located at 404 North 13th Street and 405 North 12th Street.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Consideration of Donating 1834 Pine Street to Habitat For Humanity: Mayor Stephens stated they continue to do good work. Attorney Blake stated through Partnerships For Affordable Homes Inc.

Motion: To approve the Donation of 1834 Pine Street to Habitat For Humanity.

Motion by Alderman Hughes

Second by Alderman Runge

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Public comment: Bruce Davis was present, representing Habitat For Humanity. Thanked the Mayor, Alderman Hughes and Mr. Eisert for working with them.

Mayor Stephens opened discussion for Community Relations Committee related items.

Old Business: Nothing at this time.

New Business:

Consideration of 5K Run/Walks:

American Cancer Society – Relay For Life – Saturday, May 31, 2025: form filled out.

Motion: To approve the American Cancer Society Relay For Life 5K Run on May 31, 2025.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Gladden

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Murphysboro Main Street – Big Muddy Monster 5K – Saturday, June 21, 2025: Chief Ellermeyer stated same route used previously

Motion: To approve Murphysboro Main Street Big Muddy Monster 5K on June 21, 2025.

Motion by Alderman McComb

Second by Alderman Strack

Mayor Stephens called for a voice vote. All were in favor.

Motion Carried

Consideration of Request for Street Closure from Small Town Scoop – Portion of 14th Street during Apple Festival Week: Mayor Stephens stated will need form filled out. Alderman McComb stated don’t know if can do that. Mayor Stephens stated talked to them, maybe keep it closed Saturday after the parade, heavily traveled road. Alderman Runge stated do our best to try to work with them. Mayor Stephens stated will talk to Mr. Mills and the Chiefs, table to next meeting.

No public comment.

Alderman Gladden opened discussion for Public Improvement related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman McComb opened discussion for Public Works related items.

Old business:

Consideration of No Parking on the West/South Side and Cul-de-sac of Sandra Court: Chief Ellermeyer stated both phone numbers are disconnected, got with Chief McBride and Mr. Mills, feel it is okay the way it is. Alderman Gladden asked can we yellow paint where the hydrant is? Chief McBride stated will have Mr. Mills take a look.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Erbes opened discussion for Public Safety related items.

Old business

Update on Animal Control Facility: Mayor Stephens stated meeting today with county, discussed issues, hashed out a lot of details. They will revise intergovernmental agreement and get back with us. Went well and was productive. Fee per dog per day. Question - vet on site? Or each have to have their own? Feel better if pay lump sum fee like before for quality of care.

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

Alderman Hughes opened discussion for Personnel related items.

Old business: Nothing at this time

New business: Nothing at this time.

No public comment.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Authorized architectural firm to re-draft drawing to get down to one floor. Their cost was not to exceed $8000.

Meeting April 29 at Randolph County courthouse. Will have representatives from all four counties, engineering will be there.

ALDERMEN ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Barb Hughes Thank you to Mr. Bittle for rejuvenating two historical homes. Oak Street Art Fair is next weekend.

Jance Curry-Witzman Absent

Rick Runge Nothing

Mike Austin Keep WJ in our prayers, thank Scott for time and dedication to the council and welcome Len Novara.

Angela Jackson Nothing

W. J. Pittman Absen

John Erbes Nothing

Gary McComb Nothing

Scott Strack Thank the Mayor and council for affording him this opportunity to serve his community. Mayor Stephens stated he appreciated him stepping up to serve.

Don Gladden Nothing

DEPARTMENT HEAD ANNOUNCEMENTS/REQUESTS

Richard Blake Nothin

Sandra Ripley Nothing

Scott Evans Nothing

Steve McBride Nothing

Jaime Ellermeyer Nothing

Brian Manwaring Mayor Stephens was able to get EPA funds to clean up the rubble pile. Present this chunk of concrete from the Town Hall basement.

Harold Sheffer Ameren cleanup site pushed back one week.

Katharine Volle Nothing

Tim Lee Absent

Charlie Eisert Nothing

Pat Gladson Nothing

Darrin Mills Absent

Mayor Stephens adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m.

https://murphysboro.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/City-Council-Mtg-Minutes-2025-Apr-22-2.docx